Sunrise

Kefalonia
After spending a few days in the charming capital Argostoli it was time to check out the secluded beaches and small harbours in the north of the island of Kefalonia. The fishing village of Agia Effimia is on the north-east coast and the short drive across the island takes in the intense and spectacular green scenery of the mountains before skirting the shimmering blue seas of the beautiful coastline.

Agia Effimia, Kefalonia

Agia Effimia is a perfect base for exploring the north of the island. The small and unspoilt harbour is beautiful and lined with excellent restaurants, many of them family run. As in the capital we found the standard of food to be superb and incredible value. Within a short walk from the harbour centre there are several small stone beaches where the locals will take a dip to cool off in the late sun of the afternoon. 

The harbour at Agia Effimia, Kefalonia

There are also a couple of options to hire boats to explore the thirteen secluded and often deserted beaches immediately north of the fishing village. Depending on your tolerance for sunbathing on beaches this can be all all-day experience, or if like us if your preference is just to potter, then half a day is more than sufficient. You have time to take in all the beaches including stopping off a couple of times for a beer and a spinach spanakopita. Dropping anchor and mooring up takes a little bit of getting used to but it's all part of the wonderful experience. Most of the beaches on the north east coast are only accessible by sea which adds to the attraction and the quiet isolation of these beautiful places is a joy.

The secluded beaches of North East Kefalonia

One beach that is accessible by car (and lots of steps) is the islands' most famous. Heading north from  Agia Effimia along the mountain roads on the west of the island is Myrtos Beach. There are well sign-posted viewing points that you can park up and gaze down in awe at the crescent shaped sandy beach and the magical colours of the Ionian sea. You'll also gaze in awe at the Instagrammers scrambling over safety signs and perching precariously on the steep cliff edge to get that exclusive selfie, and in the process perfectly illustrating natural selection at work.

The famous Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

All roads north lead to Fiskardo, which is a fishing village at the very top of the island. Fiskardo is a similar size to Agia Effimia but has a larger harbour and appears to be popular with yachting folk. As a result the restaurants look a little bit flashier and are a tad more expensive to take advantage of the upmarket clientele.

The lighthouses of Fiskardo, Kefalonia

The real highlight of Fiskardo is the headland where you will discover the old Venetian lighthouse and it's modern companion. It's only a short walk from the harbour but is another world away.

Fiskardo Lighthouse, Kefalonia

And some shots of the lighthouses with the harbour of Fiskardo in the background.

A short drive from Agia Effimia are a couple of tourist attractions that a worth a quick look.
At the Melissani Caves you'll be rowed around an underground lake by some jolly Greek chaps. The roof has collapsed in on itself and the light on the limestone and water make for a pretty spectacular setting.

Melissani Cave Lake, Kefalonia

Not far away is the quieter Grotte di Drogarati which is another cave you descend to enjoy some pretty stalactites and stalagmites. You can get both caves ticked off in an hour but these destinations are popular with the cruise ship coaches so my tip would be to get there early in the day to beat the crowds.

Drogarati Cave, Kefalonia

Kefalonia has a reputation for beauty and it certainly lived up to the billing. That coupled with the wonderful hospitality, the excellent food and the serene ambiance has firmly installed the island as one of our favourite places to visit.

Kefalonia